Tufted Knit Cushion in Bernat Velvet - BRK0520-012169M - Downloadable PDF

Tufted Knit Cushion in Bernat Velvet — Free Downloadable Knitting Pattern

This beginner-friendly knitting pattern from Bernat produces a beautifully textured 18-inch square tufted cushion, worked in the classic Bernat Velvet yarn. The finished piece has a plush, boutique feel thanks to the combination of smooth stocking stitch fabric and decorative button tufting — a technique borrowed from upholstery that gives the cushion its distinctive dimpled, tailored appearance. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF and is rated Easy, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to try a satisfying finishing technique.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a square knitted cushion cover measuring approximately 18" × 18" [45.5 cm × 45.5 cm], designed to fit a standard pillow form of the same size. The cover is constructed from two identical knitted panels — a Front and a Back — which are seamed together on three sides, filled with a pillow form, and then closed. The signature decorative detail is a grid of five button tufts, spaced on a 4½" [11.5 cm] grid, which are added after assembly to create the classic tufted cushion look. Buttons are sewn into each tuft on both sides of the cushion for a polished, symmetrical finish.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting: Both the Front and Back panels are worked flat, back and forth in rows, beginning with a knit row.
• Casting on and casting off: A standard cast-on of 54 stitches begins each panel, with a straightforward cast-off after the required length is reached.
• Seaming: Three sides of the Front and Back are sewn together before the pillow form is inserted, and the remaining side is seamed closed afterward.
• Tufting: This upholstery-inspired technique involves threading yarn through the full thickness of the assembled cushion at marked points, pulling the tails gently to create an indentation, and knotting securely to hold the tuft in place. The yarn tails are then woven in and out through the cushion thickness for extra security.
• Button attachment: A button is sewn into each tuft point on both sides of the cushion, reinforcing the tuft and adding a decorative element.
• Weaving in ends: Loose ends are neatly woven in to complete the finishing.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The entire fabric of both panels is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows. This creates a smooth, flat surface that showcases the soft, velvety texture of the Bernat Velvet yarn beautifully. Each panel is worked until it measures 18" [45.5 cm], ending on a purl row before casting off.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows = 4" [10 cm] in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the finished cushion cover matches the 18-inch pillow form accurately. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before beginning and adjust needle size as needed.

Materials

Yarn

• Bernat Velvet — a chunky weight yarn (super bulky feel with a velvet-touch finish)
• Colorway used in the sample: Rich Blue (32019)
• Quantity required: 1 ball (each ball contains 10.5 oz / 300 g; 315 yds / 288 m)

Needles and Additional Supplies

• Knitting needles appropriate for chunky weight yarn and to achieve the stated gauge
• A pillow form measuring 18" × 18" [45.5 cm × 45.5 cm]
• Buttons — required for the tufting detail (one per tu